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Taylor Browne Lūka C, Hendry K, Dutriaux L, Stevenson JL, Barsalou LW. Developing and Evaluating a Situated Assessment Instrument for Trichotillomania: The SAM 2 TAI. Assessment 2024:10731911241262140. [PMID: 39066613 DOI: 10.1177/10731911241262140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Measuring trichotillomania is essential for understanding and treating it effectively. Using the Situated Assessment Method (SAM2), we developed a psychometric instrument to assess hair pulling in situations where it occurs. In two studies, pullers evaluated their pulling in relevant situations, along with how much they experience factors that potentially influence it (e.g., external triggers, reduction in negative emotion, negative self-thoughts). Individual measures of pulling, averaged across situations, exhibited high test reliability, construct validity, and content validity. Large differences between situations in pulling were observed, along with large individual-situation interactions (with limited evidence distinguishing focused versus automatic pulling subtypes). In linear regressions for individual participants, factors that influence pulling tended to correlate with pulling as predicted, explaining a median 74%-83% of its variance. By identifying factors that predict pulling for each individual across situations, the SAM2 Trichotillomania Assessment Instrument (TAI) offers a rich understanding of an individual's pulling experience, potentially supporting individualized pulling interventions.
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2
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Coyne AF, Carlson EJ, Malloy EJ, Haaga DAF. Predicting response to and relapse after treatment of trichotillomania with the Comprehensive Behavioral model (ComB). Bull Menninger Clin 2024; 88:81-99. [PMID: 38527102 DOI: 10.1521/bumc.2024.88.1.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Prior studies of behavior therapy for trichotillomania (TTM) have shown that response is variable, and relapse after treatment discontinuation is common. Little information is available concerning prognostic factors capable of predicting individual differences in response or maintenance of improvement. The present study is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (N = 36) of the Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) model of treatment for TTM (Carlson et al., 2021). We investigated age, disorder history, pre-treatment symptom severity, longest prior period of abstinence from pulling, and Emotion and Intention hair pulling styles as predictors of initial response. We studied age, disorder history, pre-treatment symptom severity, longest prior period of abstinence from pulling, and post-treatment symptom severity or hair-pulling abstinence as predictors of relapse following treatment. Older age significantly predicted lower TTM severity following treatment. Lower pre-treatment severity significantly predicted lower severity of TTM at the 3-month follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison F Coyne
- Doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at American University, Washington, DC
| | - Emily J Carlson
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
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3
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Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment of an Older Adult Man with Trichotillomania. Clin Case Stud 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/15346501221130500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) model of treatment for trichotillomania (TTM) and other body-focused repetitive behaviors offers a framework for individualized, flexible intervention based on functional analysis. This case report focuses on the treatment of a patient who enrolled in the first randomized clinical trial of ComB for TTM (Carlson et al., 2021) as well as a long-term follow-up of participants from that trial conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic (Flannery et al., in press). Walter (pseudonym) entered the treatment trial at 69, having had TTM since age 17 but not received treatment for it. Walter showed clinically significant improvement in treatment, ultimately abstaining from hair pulling for two years. A single case from a parallel-groups trial cannot support strong conclusions about why his results were favorable, but qualitative review of Walter’s experience in therapy suggested that allowing him a good deal of collaborative input on the specific methods of implementation of ComB principles was helpful. Along with the general literature on patient age as a predictor of therapy outcome, Walter’s case serves as a reminder that older adults, even those with highly chronic clinical conditions, can benefit greatly from psychotherapy.
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4
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Youssef A, Al-Mahdy DA, Sayed RH, Choucry MA, El-Askary H. A Comprehensive Review of Natural Alternatives for Treatment of Alopecia with an Overview of Market Products. J Med Food 2022; 25:869-881. [PMID: 35796701 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2021.0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alopecia or hair loss is a widespread issue that has significant effects on personal well-being for both genders nationally and internationally. In addition, alopecia causes extreme emotional stress and negatively impacts the psychological health and self-esteem of cancer patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Unfortunately, available synthetic medications are costly, invasive, or have extreme adverse effects. On the contrary, natural and herbal hair loss products are widely available in the local and international markets in variable pharmaceutical forms with different mechanisms of action, namely, androgen antagonists, nutritional supplements, vasodilators, and 5α-reductase inhibitors or dihydrotestosterone blockers. Thus, it is of great importance to encourage researchers to investigate these natural alternatives that can act as potent therapeutic agents having diverse mechanisms of action as well as limited side effects. Currently, natural remedies are considered a fast-rising pharmaceutical segment with demand from a wide range of consumers. In this study, we present a review of reported herbal remedies and herb combinations recommended for hair loss and their mode of action, along with an overview of available market products and formulations, their composition, and declared effects. In addition, a general outline of the different forms of alopecia, its causes, and recommended treatments are mentioned as well. This was all done with the aim of assisting further studies with developing standardized natural formulations for alopecia as many were found to lack standardization of their bioactive ingredients and efficiency confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Youssef
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dalia A Al-Mahdy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rabab H Sayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mouchira A Choucry
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Drug Technology, Egyptian Chinese University (ECU), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hesham El-Askary
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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5
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The role of compulsivity in body-focused repetitive behaviors. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 151:365-367. [PMID: 35551067 PMCID: PMC7613168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Trichotillomania (TTM) and skin picking disorder (SPD) have been characterized as body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) and have been grouped in the DSM-5 as part of the obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Despite the clinical similarities between BFRBs and the compulsions of OCD, there has been little research regarding the degree to which compulsivity underpins these behaviors. 88 adults (69 female; mean age 30.9 years) with DSM-5 TTM or SPD completed standard diagnostic interviews, basic demographic information, symptom inventories about TTM and SPD, and measures of disability/functioning. Compulsivity was measured using the 15-item Cambridge-Chicago Compulsivity Trait Scale (CHI-T). Relationships between CHI-T scores and the other measures of interest were characterized using Pearson's correlations. Of the 88 participants, 48 (54.5%) had TTM, 37 (42.0%) had SPD and 3 (3.4%) had both. CHI-T total scores correlated with worse disability and quality of life but not with BFRB symptom severity. This study demonstrates that compulsivity is a marked contributor to worse disability and quality of life in people with BFRBs, more so than conventional measures of BFRB symptom severity (which did not correlate with disability/quality of life). Future work should include compulsivity measures in BFRB studies (including treatment trials) and explore its role in other related disorders.
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6
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Tetrahydrocannabinol fails to reduce hair pulling or skin picking: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of dronabinol. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2022; 37:14-20. [PMID: 34825898 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) such as trichotillomania and skin picking disorder are associated with decreased self-esteem and poor quality of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate dronabinol, a cannabinoid agonist, for the reduction of BFRB symptoms. Fifty adults with either trichotillomania (n = 34) or skin picking disorder (n = 16) were recruited for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Participants received 10-week treatment with dronabinol (5-15 mg/day) or placebo. The primary efficacy outcome measure was the change on the clinician-rated National Institute of Mental Health scale for hair pulling or skin picking. Both dronabinol and placebo treatment were associated with significant reductions in BFRB symptoms. Dronabinol did not significantly separate from placebo on any efficacy measure. At week 10, 67% of the treatment group were classified as responders (Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Score of very much or much improved) compared to 50% in the placebo group (P value = 0.459). This study assessed the efficacy of dronabinol, a synthetic form of tetrahydrocannabinol, in the treatment of BFRBs, and found no differences in symptom reductions between dronabinol and placebo.
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Flannery MK, Coyne AF, Carlson EJ, Haaga DAF. Extended follow-up of a comprehensive behavioral (ComB) treatment sample during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord 2022; 32:100706. [PMID: 34956828 PMCID: PMC8683380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2021.100706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
This study provides the longest follow-up yet for comprehensive behavioral (ComB) treatment of trichotillomania (TTM) (M = 24.59 months after pre-treatment and 15.92 months after the last follow-up point in a recent clinical trial (Carlson et al., 2021), which had shown ComB to be significantly more efficacious than minimal attention at post-treatment). This study also examined changes in TTM severity from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants (N = 23) completed a survey assessing current TTM symptoms, the impact of the pandemic on their coping with TTM, and their experience with ComB treatment. Self-reported symptom severity at this follow-up evaluation fell between the scores obtained at the clinical trial's pre-treatment assessment and at its last follow-up before the pandemic and did not significantly differ from either time point. Most participants (73%) reported some change in their TTM management since onset of the pandemic, with changes to their environment/routine (61%) and in anxiety (32%) being the most common. Pandemic-related changes were associated with variable outcomes, improving symptoms and management for some while worsening them for others. Use of strategies from ComB had declined since the most recent follow-up, but more than half (55%) of participants reported that strategies from ComB remained useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan K Flannery
- Department of Psychology, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20016-8062, USA
| | - Allison F Coyne
- Department of Psychology, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20016-8062, USA
| | - Emily J Carlson
- Department of Psychology, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20016-8062, USA
| | - David A F Haaga
- Department of Psychology, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20016-8062, USA
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8
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Carlson EJ, Malloy EJ, Brauer L, Golomb RG, Grant JE, Mansueto CS, Haaga DAF. Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Treatment of Trichotillomania: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Behav Ther 2021; 52:1543-1557. [PMID: 34656205 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study is the first controlled trial of comprehensive behavioral (ComB) treatment of trichotillomania (TTM). ComB provides individualized treatment based on factors triggering and maintaining hair pulling. METHOD Participants (N = 36) were adults (M = 34.08 years old, SD = 12.26) meeting DSM5 criteria for TTM. A majority were female (80%) and Caucasian (75%), whereas 17% were African American and 19% Hispanic/Latinx. In a parallel-group design, participants were randomly assigned to (a) Immediate ComB (12 sessions) or (b) Minimal Attention Control (MAC), followed by delayed ComB after week 12. Follow-up continued through week 38. Primary outcomes were self-report (Massachusetts General Hospital Hair pulling Scale; MGH-HPS) and interviewer-rated (NIMH-Trichotillomania Impact Scale and Trichotillomania Severity Scale; TIS/TSS) TTM symptom severity, as well as diagnosis (Trichotillomania Diagnostic Interview). RESULTS Immediate efficacy of ComB (vs. MAC) was statistically significant (p = .03) for self-reported symptoms, with an effect size d = -.78, but not significant for interviewer-rated symptoms or diagnostic status. Immediate ComB was significantly more likely than MAC (27% vs. 0%) to lead to complete abstinence from hair pulling at week 12. Follow-ups showed good maintenance of effects. CONCLUSIONS Efficacy of ComB was established for self-reported symptoms. Future research is needed to establish whether the lack of more widespread effects stems from limitations of the model or to a need for more extensive therapist training, as secondary analyses suggested stronger results among therapists with more TTM experience.
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Grant JE, Peris TS, Ricketts EJ, Lochner C, Stein DJ, Stochl J, Chamberlain SR, Scharf JM, Dougherty DD, Woods DW, Piacentini J, Keuthen NJ. Identifying subtypes of trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder) and excoriation (skin picking) disorder using mixture modeling in a multicenter sample. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 137:603-612. [PMID: 33172654 PMCID: PMC7610704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Body-focused repetitive behavior disorders (BFRBs) include Trichotillomania (TTM; Hair pulling disorder) and Excoriation (Skin Picking) Disorder (SPD). These conditions are prevalent, highly heterogeneous, under-researched, and under-treated. In order for progress to be made in optimally classifying and treating these conditions, it is necessary to identify meaningful subtypes. 279 adults (100 with TTM, 81 with SPD, 40 with both TTM and SPD, and 58 controls) were recruited for an international, multi-center between-group comparison using mixture modeling, with stringent correction for multiple comparisons. The main outcome measure was to examine distinct subtypes (aka latent classes) across all study participants using item-level data from gold-standard instruments assessing detailed clinical measures. Mixture models identified 3 subtypes of TTM (entropy 0.98) and 2 subtypes of SPD (entropy 0.99) independent of the control group. Significant differences between these classes were identified on measures of disability, automatic and focused symptoms, perfectionism, trait impulsiveness, and inattention and hyperactivity. These data indicate the existence of three separate subtypes of TTM, and two separate subtypes of SPD, which are distinct from controls. The identified clinical differences between these latent classes may be useful to tailor future treatments by focusing on particular traits. Future work should examine whether these latent subtypes relate to treatment outcomes, or particular psychobiological findings using neuroimaging techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon E. Grant
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA,Corresponding author.Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 3077, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Tara S. Peris
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily J. Ricketts
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Dan J. Stein
- SA MRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Dept of Psychiatry & Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jan Stochl
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,Department of Kinanthropology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Jeremiah M. Scharf
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Darin D. Dougherty
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Douglas W. Woods
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - John Piacentini
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nancy J. Keuthen
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Bottesi G, Ouimet AJ, Cerea S, Granziol U, Carraro E, Sica C, Ghisi M. Comprehensive Behavioral Therapy of Trichotillomania: A Multiple-Baseline Single-Case Experimental Design. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1210. [PMID: 32587552 PMCID: PMC7298435 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite rapidly increasing knowledge about Trichotillomania (TTM), no gold-standard evidence-based psychological intervention has been identified. In the current study, we evaluated the potential efficacy of an eight-session psychological intervention for TTM, namely the Comprehensive Behavioral Model (ComB) treatment, using a multiple-baseline single-case experimental design with three Italian women with TTM. The study included three phases: baseline, intervention, and 3-month follow-up. We assessed the intervention using daily self-monitoring of number of hair-pulling episodes, number of pulled hairs per episode, degree of resistance to pulling urges, and degree of associated distress. We also assessed for reliable improvement in general distress from baseline to post-intervention. All participants completed treatment and showed improvements on those symptom measures that were most relevant to their individualized case conceptualization. However, no participants recovered completely or demonstrated reliable improvement in general distress. Our results provide initial evidence for the utility of the ComB treatment for TTM in an Italian clinical setting. Furthermore, they support the delivery of individualized and flexible psychological treatments when treating TTM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gioia Bottesi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Centro di Ateneodei Servizi Clinici Universitari Psicologici (SCUP), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Cerea
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Centro di Ateneodei Servizi Clinici Universitari Psicologici (SCUP), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Umberto Granziol
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Eleonora Carraro
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Centro di Ateneodei Servizi Clinici Universitari Psicologici (SCUP), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Claudio Sica
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Marta Ghisi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Centro di Ateneodei Servizi Clinici Universitari Psicologici (SCUP), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Mouton-Odum S, Houghton DC. Comprehensive behavioral treatment for an adult with sensory-based trichotillomania: An illustrative case study. Bull Menninger Clin 2018; 82:288-307. [PMID: 30589578 DOI: 10.1521/bumc.2018.82.4.288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Trichotillomania (TTM) is a poorly understood condition that causes significant impairment, but effective behavioral management strategies exist. The phenomenology of TTM is complex and requires an individualized treatment approach, and there are some important facets of TTM that have only recently been recognized. Specifically, contemporary research indicates that hair pulling is often performed to regulate aversive sensations and provide somatosensory reward. In this article, we describe the complex phenomenology of TTM, evidence-based treatment options, and illustrate a case of sensory-based TTM treated effectively with a comprehensive behavioral intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Mouton-Odum
- Clinical assistant professor and director of Psychology Houston, PC: The Center for Cognitive Behavioral Treatment, Houston, Texas
| | - David C Houghton
- Post-doctoral fellow, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
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12
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Trichotillomania and Trichophagia: Modern Diagnostic and Therapeutic Methods. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2018; 8:389-398. [PMID: 30099694 PMCID: PMC6109030 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-018-0256-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichotillomania is a chronic, mental disease of impulse control, characterized by repetitive, compulsive, and self-induced hair pulling. It can occur at any age but is observed more often in adolescents, with a strong predominance in females. Diagnosis of trichotillomania may be difficult, and its effective treatment challenging. The aim of this study is to critically review current literature regarding diagnostic procedures and treatment of trichotillomania, including psychotherapy, N-acetylcysteine, naltrexone, topiramate, atypical neuroleptics, and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors. The importance of cooperation between dermatologists and psychiatrists is emphasized to shorten the time to diagnose the disease and begin appropriate treatment. Finally, trichotillomania is also often connected with trichophagia, which may lead to formation of trichobezoars and cause a direct danger to the patient’s health and even life due to the risk of intestinal obstruction and the need for surgical intervention. Based on thorough literature review, we conclude that diagnosis of trichotillomania can be challenging. Trichoscopy could help to distinguish trichotillomania from other types of hair loss. Most clinical trials using various treatment options have been conducted on small groups of patients, and the potential benefits determined using various scales. Therefore, it is difficult to compare the effectiveness of different treatment methods. There is also a lack of studies assessing treatment efficacy over longer periods of time. Thus, there is a need to perform better-designed studies in the near future to optimize current treatment modalities for trichotillomania.
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13
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Houghton DC, Alexander JR, Bauer CC, Woods DW. Abnormal perceptual sensitivity in body-focused repetitive behaviors. Compr Psychiatry 2018; 82:45-52. [PMID: 29407358 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several compulsive grooming habits such as hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting are collectively known as body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). Although subclinical BFRBs are common and benign, more severe and damaging manifestations exist that are difficult to manage. Researchers have suggested that BFRBs are maintained by various cognitive, affective, and sensory contingencies. Although the involvement of cognitive and affective processes in BFRBs has been studied, there is a paucity of research on sensory processes. METHODS The current study tested whether adults with subclinical or clinical BFRBs would report abnormal patterns of sensory processing as compared to a healthy control sample. RESULTS Adults with clinical BFRBs (n = 26) reported increased sensory sensitivity as compared to persons with subclinical BFRBs (n = 48) and healthy individuals (n = 33). Elevations in sensation avoidance differentiated persons with clinical versus subclinical BFRBs. Sensation seeking patterns were not different between groups. Unexpectedly, BFRB severity was associated with lower registration of sensory stimuli, but this finding may be due to high psychiatric comorbidity rates in the BFRB groups. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that several sensory abnormalities may underlie BFRBs. Implications for the etiology and treatment of BFRBs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Houghton
- Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, 4235 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4235, United States.
| | - Jennifer R Alexander
- Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, 4235 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4235, United States; Department of Psychology, Marquette University, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0327, United States.
| | - Christopher C Bauer
- Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, 4235 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4235, United States; Department of Psychology, Marquette University, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0327, United States.
| | - Douglas W Woods
- Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, 4235 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4235, United States; Department of Psychology, Marquette University, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0327, United States.
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14
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Falkenstein MJ, Conelea CA, Garner LE, Haaga DAF. Sensory over-responsivity in trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder). Psychiatry Res 2018; 260:207-218. [PMID: 29202385 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was an initial investigation of sensory-over responsivity (SOR) to external sensations among individuals with trichotillomania (TTM). METHODS Adults endorsing DSM-5 TTM criteria (N = 609) and a non-affected comparison sample (N = 268) completed a self-report survey. RESULTS The majority of the TTM group endorsed SOR symptoms; three-quarters endorsed at least mild tactile and auditory SOR. About 15% endorsed SOR symptoms in the severe to extreme range. TTM participants had significantly higher mean scores in both auditory (t (652.89) = -6.51, p < .001, d = .45) and tactile (t (655.24) = -8.38, p < .001, d = .58) modalities than comparison participants, with medium effect sizes. Greater levels of SOR were related to greater levels of perfectionism and by-proxy pulling urges. SOR was significantly and positively correlated with functional impairment when controlling for TTM severity. CONCLUSION This study expands prior work in obsessive-compulsive related disorders by contributing the first data about associations between TTM and over-responsivity to external sensations. Findings collectively suggest SOR may be related to maladaptive emotion regulation processes in TTM. A novel measure of SOR was developed and administered in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lauryn E Garner
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University, New York, NY, USA
| | - David A F Haaga
- Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, DC, USA
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15
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A Preliminary Investigation of Metacognitive Therapy and Habit Reversal as a Treatment for Trichotillomania. Behav Cogn Psychother 2017; 46:1-20. [PMID: 28903787 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465817000546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Not all patients suffering from trichotillomania (TTM) recover completely using CBT and of those that do, only a few maintain their recovery over time. AIMS The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of metacognitive methods combined with habit reversal (MCT/HRT) in trichotillomania with a relatively long-term follow-up. METHOD A case series (n = 8) and a randomized wait-list controlled trial (n = 34) design were conducted in this study. In the case series, three of the eight patients dropped out of the study. Therefore, TTM-related symptoms were evaluated in five patients suffering from TTM before and after brief metacognitive plus habit reversal therapy during 1-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups. The treatment consisted of detached mindfulness (DM) techniques, ritual postponement and habit reversal training (HRT) in eight sessions. RESULTS All patients were responders at post-treatment in case series. After the 12-month follow-up, the results were associated with higher pre-treatment levels of self-esteem and global functioning and lower pre-treatment levels of depression and anxiety with nearly complete abstinence from hair pulling immediately after treatment. A randomized wait-list controlled trial with experimental (n = 17) and waiting list group (n = 17) was then conducted to confirm the case series results. There were significant differences between the two groups regarding changes in MGH-HPS, Y-BOCS-TM, RSES, GAF, BDI, BAI and self-monitoring. Therefore, the MCT/HRT treatment was found to be more effective than the waiting list group. CONCLUSIONS A combined treatment including metacognitive and habit reversal techniques is remarkably effective in patients with TTM.
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